Herschel

PRODUCTION LOCATIONS 

• Myanmar 
• China
• Cambodia
• Vietnam 

WORKING CONDITIONS & LIVING WAGES

Herschel’s Code of Conduct prohibits forced labour and human trafficking, aligning with international human rights standards. All partners must accept this code to enter into collaboration. In addition to independent third-party audits, Herschel states that they conduct regular factory visits. 

Due to a lack of transparency, we cannot assess the exact working conditions of the people in Herschel’s value chain. However, we can assume that the risks of labour rights violations in garment factories are very high in Myanmar. Read more about the situation for garment workers by Fair Wear Foundation: Vietnam, Myanmar. 

MATERIALS 

• Polyester
• Nylon
• Cotton
• Leather 
   

The company uses a variety of materials for its collections, including primarily synthetic fibres such as polyester, and sometimes recycled polyester from plastic bottles. By the end of 2022, a total of 4 million recycled bottles were used for the production of their Eco Collection. 

Herschel is regularly audited under the Global Recycled Standard (GRS). Additionally, the brand has been a member of the Sustainable Apparel Coalition since 2021 and has been using the Higg Index tools since 2022. 

PACKAGING 

Herschel actively works to minimize packaging use, opting for labels and product tags made from 100% Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified paper, and is increasingly transitioning to recycled and reusable materials. Simultaneously, the company is working to replace paper labels with QR codes to save paper.

WATER USAGE & CHEMICALS 

Herschel states that all their products undergo testing for harmful substances, including compliance with the European REACH regulations and California Prop 65. 

CIRCULAR PRODUCT DESIGN 

Herschel primarily focuses on monofibers that help to facilitate recycling. 

CIRCULAR BUSINESS MODELS 

Since 2023, the company has also been testing a repair service and simultaneously working on their circular economy strategy to find better solutions for the end-of-life cycle of products and packaging. We are looking forward to a more general implementation of this pilot project! 

By the way, in 2021, all owned and leased retail stores as well as offices were powered by 100% renewable energy.

DISTANCE & COMPLEXITY OF THE SUPPLY CHAIN 

Production locations: 

• China
• Cambodia
• Myanmar
• Vietnam

As Herschel’s headquarters are located in Vancouver, the distances in the supply chain are very long. 

TRANSPORTATION 

Herschel does not disclose what transportation methods are used in their supply chain, and due to the complexities of their supply chain, the associated emissions are likely to be high. 

• Leather

Unfortunately, Herschel does not mention any code of conduct or actions to ensure animal welfare practices. 

PRODUCT DESIGN 

Herschel emphasizes timeless design and functionality in their products to ensure longevity for lifelong use. They educate about proper care, recommending practices such as washing synthetic fabrics in cold water and using gentle cycles to reduce the release of microfibers. These efforts aim to extend product lifespan and promote more sustainable practices.

SLOW FASHION PROCESSES

As Herschel does not produce made-to-order items, there is a sales section on their website. 

TRANSPARENCY ON PRODUCT 

Each product page details what material the items are made from, although production countries are not provided. This lack of transparency makes it impossible to determine where your individual purchase was produced. 

TRANSPARENCY ON PROCESSES 

Herschel publishes emissions from Scope 1, 2, and 3, and in 2021, they initiated a CO2 emissions reduction initiative with South Pole. Sadly, they do not share any detailed information about the production facilities in their supply chain, nor about the working conditions or relationships they have with the suppliers. They also keep us in the dark about the exact origin of the materials.